A historical site, the peninsula called Le Caudan was created around a fossil coral islet, hosting a powder magazine, an astronomic and meteorological observatory, quays, warehouses and various small enterprises over the last 250 years. The daily routine of this popular harbor followed the pace of the sugar industry until the creation of the Bulk Sugar Terminal in 1980. From these 150 years of millions of sugar bags transiting by boat, train or trucks, carried by hundreds of hands, only a few old walls still stand today to speak to the mind… Several popular spots of Le Caudan Waterfront bear a strong historical significance. The first meteorological observatory of the Indian Ocean now hosts the Food Court and the Namasté restaurant. The building hosting the Blue Penny Museum was the former Docks office.

Port Louis Central Market The Central Market of Port-Louis (also known at the Port Louis Bazaar) is one of the most crowded markets in Mauritius and the most visited market by tourists. The Port Louis market is the best place to purchase local made products and for trying local made foods. The things on sale here are cheap and the market brings you close to the local life in Mauritius. The market is a very a popular meeting point of locals and tourists. Port Louis Central Market The Port Louis market has several sections, part on the main street and part is a closed market until a big roof. There is a section that sells fruit and vegetables, a section for meat and sea products, an emporium upstairs that sells souvenirs and a section selling clothes. To see all the sections of the market you will have to visit inside the main market building, but also visit the market main yard and also to walk along the main market street. The Port Louis is a great place to find many different interesting products. As for the many textiles found at the market, some of the sellers will insist that they are genuine brands which they have received directly from the factories (the reality is that most of the textiles are actually fakes). You can also find local crafts, religious artifacts, knick-knacks, spices and other artifacts. There is also a food hall that will sell vegetarian food such as Dholl Puri, Biryani, Haleem and selection of additional local dishes.

Mauritius National Botanical Garden is home to an incredible variety of tropical plants, many of them indigenous. The Botanic Garden, formally known as Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden, is one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius. The garden is located in the proximity of Port-Louis in the district of Pamplemousse. Mauritius National Botanical Garden The botanical garden was initially opened as a private garden by the French governor of Mauritius nearly 300 years ago, later to become the national botanical garden of Mauritius. The botanical garden stretches over endless acres of land and it may take you more than a week to cover the whole garden. It is populated with more than 650 varieties of plants among which are the famous Baobabs, the Palmier Bouteille, the ineluctable Giant Water Lilies, dozens of medicinal plants, a large spice garden and many more. One of the main attractions of the botanical garden is the 85 different varieties of palm trees brought from different corners of the world. Other indigenous species of plants are also exhibited here. Guides are available at the entrance of the garden, offering a full tour for as little as 1 euro/hour per person (payment for the guides is done at the entrance of the botanical garden). We highly recommend using the guides’ services.

About the Red Church at Cap Malheureux One of the most renowned churches in Mauritius is the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Chapel, a Roman Catholic Church famous for its vivid red roof against the bright turquoise sea and azure sky. Located ten minutes from Grand Bay is the small fishing village of Cap Malheureux. It translates to “Unfortunate/Unhappy Cape”, due to the numerous ships, which floundered there in the past. The Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Church is famous for its lovely red roof, which attracts many curious passers-by and offers a picturesque background for worthy snapshots. This simple chapel was founded in 1938 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is situated ideally at the very northern point of Mauritius, offering breathtaking views of the five northern islets, including Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin). The church, as well as the beach behind the church is a popular spot for newlyweds to have their pictures taken- so it is not uncommon to run into couples There.

The fort was originally built with the aim of protecting the port from a possible invasion but also to tame any possible revolt of the local population, following the racial tensions of the time. Completed in 1840, the fort was never used for military or police purposes as tensions had already died down. The Citadel of Port-Louis nevertheless remains one of the rare witnesses of the period of transition between the abolition of slavery and the arrival of indentured labourers.

The Arulmigu Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Tirukkovil, better known as the Kaylasson Temple, is an architectural wonder. Located in St Croix in the northern suburbs of Port Louis, it is the oldest temple in Mauritius. Its construction started in 1854 on land ceded by Emilien de Boucherville to the Madras Hindus of Mauritius. The kovil (temple) consecrated in 1860 is the most important place of worship for the Tamil community in Mauritius.